ACTS OF MERCY REPORT JANUARY 2021

CHALLENGES:  

• Limpopo Province has been marked as the Covid-19 pandemic epi-centre with daily numbers of rising infections. This was a result of people travelling from other Provinces and visitors from neighbouring countries for festive holidays.
• We have seen a rise in gender-based violence and family disputes. A single mother had a fight with her parents and was chased out of the house with her two daughters. She had to seek shelter from friends who accommodated them temporarily.
• The ban on selling alcohol and closing of taverns led to the abuse of homemade traditional beer and arrests for breaking Lockdown regulations.
• Some people in the community do not wear masks and are walking the streets freely, which can be a risk to others.
• One homeless man has no identity document and says he has no family. His case has been handed over to the Social Development Department.
• Relationships break-up due to employment issues.
• Retrenchments have affected many, leaving them stranded and unable to support their families.

Despite Lockdown restricted movements, Nursing Sister Grace managed to reach out to the Community, assessed those who needed food parcels and made a follow-up visits to previous beneficiaries to check if they can sustain their families. Some families had gone on holiday, others had found short term employment, while others had no source of income.  She also came across two homeless men who needed food and clothing.

NOTE: VOLUNTEERS DELIVER FOOD PARCELS TO THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WHO ARE CHRONICALLY ILL AND CANNOT REACH THE SUPERMARKET.

Sister Grace says, “I take food parcels to a few of the beneficiaries to avoid overcrowding at the supermarket, as per Lockdown regulations. All beneficiaries are advised to follow the Covid-19 protocols of wearing masks whenever they come to receive their food parcels.

The beneficiaries were grateful and appreciative upon receiving food parcels.

A total of 55 people were aided. Some families received two parcel-packs as they have so many dependents.

Sister Grace says, “Besides the normal food parcels, I buy food supplements and additional nutrition for those who are chronically ill with HIV, diabetes and cancer to help them boost their immune system and to gain back strength i.e. liquid milk, future life and Morvite instant porridge.”

If you would like to help by making a donation, however small, please click here

FUTURE PLANS: 

To continue to liaise with stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of services to the community and to avoid duplication.

To continue to educate families about basic hygiene and how to prevent infections, including adherence counselling for those on lifelong treatment.

The next food parcels will be bought in February and handed out to those in need. Emergency food parcels will be provided immediately if the need arises.

Compiled By: Nursing Sister Grace